PC Perspective - AMD Phenom X3 8750 2.4 GHz Triple-Core Processor Review

	AMD Phenom X3 8750 2.4 GHz Triple-Core Processor Review
	Author: Ryan Shrout Date: Apr 23, 2008 Subject: Processor Manufacturer: AMD

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Summary

The following is a summary of the more detailed analysis of the AMD Phenom X3 8750 2.4 GHz Triple-Core Processor. For all the in-depth analysis and testing you'd expect from us, be sure to click this link to get all the details!

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It was WAAAAYYYY back in September of 2007 that AMD first posted a press releaseabout the pending release of the first triple-core processors based on the AMD Phenom brand. Of course we all know the story about the Phenom CPU release, its TLB problem that weighed it down and the delay of the revised B3 stepping cores that fixed the major errors that we reviewed just last month. Those steps finally out of the way AMD has given the go-ahead to release the Phenom X3 series of triple-core processors to the masses.

Is it worth making the plunge to a new Phenom X3 though? And where does it fall in the value priced line up from AMD today?

The frequencies of these chips are listed above but the top end model, the X3 8750, runs at 2.4 GHz on a 1800 MHz / 3600 MHz memory clock and bus speed leaving the Phenom X4 9850 as the only official AMD part to use the faster 2000 MHz memory controller.

Let's see how this budget processor stacks up:

As it stands now from the performance outlook, the AMD Phenom X3 series of parts it pretty intriguing. In most of our tests the performance of the X3 8750 CPU was better than dual-core processors including AMD's own Athlon X2 6000+ and the Intel X6800 2.93 GHz part. There were some mixed results though including in our multimedia tests where only one of the three video encoders put the X3 8750 ahead of the X6800 or E6750 from Intel.

Pricing and Availability

Current pricing is as follows according to popular online e-tailers:

Just to throw some heat on the fire, keep in mind that you can get the 2.2 GHz quad-core Phenom X4 9550, also a B3 stepping part, for $199. So is it better to have the extra core of the X4 or the extra 200 MHz of the X3 part? That depends on your usage model, if you use more multi-threaded applications or single threaded; if you are a HEAVY multitasker then the move to four cores might make more sense but if you are a gamer the triple-core part should fit the bill nicely.

Final Thoughts

AMD's new triple-core Phenom X3 8x50-series of processors isn't a slam dunk in performance or value compared to existing AMD parts but they do add a new twist to the constantly raging budget computer battle. The X3 line can add some performance to a sub-$200 processor purchase while at the same time saving AMD from losing revenue on lost parts by salvaging some quad-core failures at the fab; and we all know they need that. If you are on the hunt for a low-cost computer then you should evaluate your own usage habits and decide how you value 200 MHz in clock speed compared to an extra core of processing and make the leap from there. If you are comfortable with overclocking as well then the X3 8750 might offer you even more value for your buck with some simple BIOS adjustments. For now, I am pleasantly surprised at how well the Phenom X3 8750 is presented even as I acknowledge that it isn't a product that will find its way into everyone's heart.

Be sure to use our pricing engine to find the best prices on AMD Phenom CPUs and anything else you might need:

Next Page - The long-awaited triple-core processors